Can Brushing Teeth With Baking Soda and Peroxide Kill Germs That Cause Cavities?
The wide variety of toothpastes on the market can make it a challenge to choose the best one for cavity protection. Before the development of the commercial toothpaste industry, people used a homemade baking soda paste to brush their teeth.
The wide variety of toothpastes on the market can make it a challenge to choose the best one for cavity protection. Before the development of the commercial toothpaste industry, people used a homemade baking soda paste to brush their teeth. Combined with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda kills the germs that cause cavities just as effectively as any product you buy in the drugstore. This combination also naturally whitens teeth and protects your gums. Mix your own toothpaste at home and brush with it twice daily to kill bacteria and prevent cavities.
Step 1
Pour a small amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution into a shallow dish. Add baking soda slowly, stirring the mixture together until it forms a paste.
Step 2
Wet the bristles of a toothbrush. Scoop up a pea-size amount of the toothpaste with the bristles.
Step 3
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums meet your teeth. Brush your gumline in short sweeping motions, rolling the bristles from your gums onto your teeth. Continue this motion around the gumline inside and outside of your teeth.
Step 4
Brush the inner, outer and top areas of your teeth. Move the brush back and forth across the surfaces in short strokes. Make sure you brush all surfaces thoroughly. Scoop more toothpaste onto your brush as needed.
Step 5
Brush your tongue lightly to kill or remove bacteria. This also keeps your breath fresh.
Step 6
Rinse your mouth and toothbrush thoroughly when you finish brushing. Discard any leftover toothpaste.
Tip
Proper tooth brushing should take two minutes. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals.
warning
Don't swallow the toothpaste.